This Day in Rock History: October 24

On this day in rock history, Elton John's dialed back his legendary '70s-era ambitions with Rock of the Westies. The project was recorded at Caribou Ranch in the Rocky Mountains and again saw John working with stalwarts Davey Johnstone and Ray Cooper. But change was in the air.

Roxy Music rode the breakthrough single "Love is the Drug" (a No. 2 hit in the U.K., and their only Top 40 Billboard hit) to a wider fan base as Siren was released. John Lennon issued his first greatest-hits collection, and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones was born.

Meanwhile, Cheap Trick entered the '80s on a roll, but saw the momentum created by At Budokan and Dream Police evaporate behind the poorly received All Shook Up. This date also marked a turning point for Sammy Hagar, who later celebrated the end of a long association with MCA by releasing Ten 13, his third solo project since splitting with Van Halen.

Watch an exciting recap of many of the day’s biggest rock anniversaries above, narrated by our radio host Zach Martin.